The Pascagoula democrat-star. (Pascagoula, Miss.) 1878-1920, 1887-11-04


that she was oveuoyed to have an
American for fellow traveller.
81 like the Americans" she said
"they are--what do you call itf
Nice, think, is tho word. Yes,
they are so nice"
"Talks like one of our boarding
school MISSES" | said to myself,
and then l made some suitable re-
ply.
There was no question about it.
The senorita was pretty. Tall as "a
daughter OF the gods, with mid.
night hair and eyes, harmOnizing
we'll with her brunette complexion,
she was what l called, impressed as
| was by her costume, a blazing
beauty, She was not dressed TOR
travelling, but perhaps she consld-
cred ride of forty miles "a mere tri-
file. She WAS attred after the fash
lou OF the Senoritas had seen prom
inading in the parks at the Capital.
Her hair was studded with flashing
gems, and her dress was of some
diaphanouS material that seemed
to CLEAN aud simmer with the
prismatic hues of the rainbow. She
wore the inevitable black lace man
tilla which ladies are seldom seen
without in Spanish American coun-
tries, but it it was intended to eff
fectually conceal her snowy shoul-
ders it was a lamentable failure as
a disguise; as much so as the v
shaped bodice, which was So liber-
ally cut that l found myself softly
quoting:
On her white breast sparkling cross she
wore,
Which Jews might kiss and infidels adore
MvFfair companion was not long
in telling me that she was returning
from brief visit to II sick relative
Beyoud that she had little to reveal
about herself. But she did not
scruple to ask any number of ques
tious. Did like Mexico = Was
travelling for business or pleasure
What did think OF the Mexican la
diesg
/ answered all these questions as
| lazily aud conplacently watched
the futteying fan with which this
beautIfu! creature appeared to do
ut least half of her conversation
In fact, Ispew unnecessarily com
municatIve. | mentioned my visit
to Toboso, and told of my success
in collecting an old debt tor which
| WAS to receive good fee.
"And the senor is not afraid Gl
robbers ?" hinted the Senorita.
"Well, certainly not in daytime,
| replied. 81 have good seven
shooter, and with the driver to hell
ne ought to be able to hold my
own"
"Yoa A mcricansare so brave bu
muFmured "but the brigands arr
very bold. / have seen them in the
suburbs OF the capital"
"Senorlta," | answered, "look al
this little toy, and tell me ifa high
wayman would care to face it,"
| handed her my pistol, a weapon
of the latest improved pattern. Sht
examined it with interest.
tsLet me lay it on the seat herr
aud c0uceal it under my mautllla,
she suggested. "If We need it
can haud it to you quicker than you
can draw it from your pocket"
Asit was really Il good idea
consented readily.
We did not suffer for topics o
conversation; but tins girl, for sll'
was nothing more than a girl, made
such a pretty picture in her strange
costume that found sufficient en-
tertainment in looking at her.
was just beginning to admit to my
self that was madly in love will
her, when the diligencia gave d
lurch aud came to u tull stop in {
dark and thickly wooded place
through which we were passing.
"El Tornado n shouted Gil Perez.
"Merciful saintsp cried the sen
orila.
| felt an uneasy thrill, El Tor
nado was The bravest and most des-
perate brigand in that region. he
had "a short time before kidnapped
a wealthy banker, and in default o
a ransom had with his own hands
blown out the prisoners brains.
"Quick My pistclp | exclaim
ed
But a mysterious change hat
come over the senOrita. Before The
words we're out of my mouth sh,
had tho weapon at full cock leveled
at my head.
.Senor Americana" she said, ''ii
is useless to resist. See."
A glance showed that was help
less. Only four robbers were II
sight, but they were four agalns
one, to say nothing of the Senorita
The men we're all masked. One helC
the horses OF the diligeneia, anOth
er stood guard over Gil Perer will
pistol pointed at his head, while
the two others, at either window o
the coach, covered me with thei
weapons aud demanded my valise
ssThe senior will hand It to you.
Could that voice be the senOritas
Undoubtedly it was, but sounded
strangely.
With three revolvers focused OF
me, within a few inches Of NY head
there was uothing to do but to make
the best Of it. / quietly delivered
/ the vaIise With its golden contenis
! The door was opened and the senior